Writers show off at Immaculata
From left are Easlea Majura (second place winner), Joy Watson, Sinomtha Makubalo(Third place winner) and Rita Musambi, in front, the first place winner.
An Immaculata High School alumna is trying to create the next generation of writers of colour and to develop young aspiring writers.
Joy Watson and her sister Mary Watson, both published authors, hosted an essay writing competition at the Wynberg school on Thursday October 20 with cash prizes and books as prizes. The winner received R2000 while the runner up and third prize winner received R500 as well as books written by the authors.
The sisters had been looking at ways to give back to the school in a meaningful way and came up with the idea of the essay competition to spur a love for writing as well as to give girls the opportunity to pen their thoughts and struggles.
About 20 girls from all grades participated in the competition with the theme “Leaving the darkness behind”.
“What struck me when I visited the school was the struggles these girls face and the hardships they endure. All of the girls who took part spoke of experiences of violence and the hardships their families endure like not being able to bring lunch or not having money for transport.”
The school has a sandwich making initiative but the duo are looking to raise funds to address and help pupils: “That’s our plan and we will try and assist the school where possible and we are also trying to instil in them the importance of education because the cycle of poverty can be broken through education. Reading and writing is everything,” said Joy.
The school had a library but had to convert it to a classroom but they are hoping to start the library up again with the help of sponsors and supporters.
“It’s impossible to be a writer without books and books are the key to one's development and thinking abilities so the library is also one of our main priorities,” said Ms Watson.
English teacher Arantzia Witbooi said the programme was a good way for pupils to not only write about their experiences but it was also an opportunity for them to journal and help heal from difficult experiences.
“We have brilliant writers at Immaculata and when Joy presented the idea for this programme we as educators knew that this is an ideal programme for our girls. The theme was "Leaving the darkness behind” and what beautiful stories we received,” said Ms Watson.
To contribute to the library or feeding initiative or find out more contact the school on 021 761 1930 or contact Joy via email to watsonjoyann@gmail.com.